Boiler-feed-water system



' Mmh 10, 1925.

. 1,528,815 G. W. COPE BOILER FEED WATER SYSTEM Filed May 1922 2Sheets-Sheet, 1

CCHE

BOILER FEED WA TER SYSTEM March 10-, 1925. V

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 1922 INVENTOR; 6202 714a 1 W I"! .RIV iii;

Patented Mar. l0, 1925.

UNITED STATES GEORGE W. COPE, OF OIL CITY, LOUISIANA.

BOfILER-FEED-WATER SYSTEM.

Application filed May 6, 1922. Serial No. 558,963.

in such connection it relates more particularly to the construction andarrangement parts constituting such a feeder.

In the operation of steam plants, and par ticularly steam heating orsteam supply systems, it is important that the. boiler be supplied withwater at required times, and it is desirable that the introduction orfeeding of the water to the boiler be automatically controlled by therise or fall of water in the boiler.

My system of feeding water to the'boiler is designed to meet theserequirements by the use of means of suitable construction andarnngement, and which, when properly assembled, assures absolutely andaccurately the periodic discharge to the boilerof water in requiredvolumes.

The present invention is an in'iprovement over an application forLetters Patent fora boiler feed water system, filed October 18, 1920,Serial Number 417725, and contemplates certain changes in specifiedparts thereof hereinafter referred to for providing a more practicalfeed'water system and for simplifying certain parts of the apparatus. Inorder that these changes and improvements may be clearly understood, acomplete description of the boiler feed water system with improvementsto date is givenherewith.

In the carrying out of the invention, there is provided, first anelevated reservoir, or source of water supply feeding by gravity to astationary tank elevated some distance above the water level of theboiler, and said stationary tank has a discharge pipe leading to thewater chamber of the boiler, and a direct connection between the top ofthe tank and the steam chest or steam chamber of the boiler. Thisstationary tank receives and discharges at periodic intervals the waterto be fed to the boiler.

Second: there is provided in connection with the charging stationarytank and its steam connection with the boiler, a means for automaticallycontrolling the supply of steam to the charging tank at the requiredperiod of time, said means comprising in its elementary form a waterreceptacle supported normally in a plane some distance above the highestlevel of the water in the boiler and being connected with the boiler andarranged in such manner as to cause the said water receptacle'to fillfrom'said boiler and when said water receptacle is in direct connectionwith the steam chest the water in the water receptacle will return tosaid boiler, thus causing said water receptacle to vibrate periodicallyand thereby control the operation of the valves'on pipes conductingsteam to the stationary charging tank and to the receptacle.

Third: there isprovided in connection with the charging tank and themeans for automatically cutting off the supply of steam to said tank, asecondary means for controlling the movement of the automatic steamcut-off means, said secondary means comprising a vessel arranged tovibrate with the fiuctuations in the water level, said vessel beingnormally supported in a plane which is substantially the level of thewater in the boiler, and connected directly with the steam chamber ofthe boiler and with the water chamber of said boiler by a flexiblesupporting means topermit of its vibration in response to fluctuationsin water'level in said boiler, and

Fourth :to provide in conjunction with the and the means for cutting offthe steam supply pipe from said tank by the operation of the valves of ameans to gradually apply boiler pressure of steam upon the water in saidtank, said means comprising essentially a valved by 'pass, the valve ofsaid by-pass being operated previously to the operation of the valve ofthe steam supply pipe-by said cut-off means, to lessen the volume ofsteam entering the tank initially.

Inaddition to the foregoing named instrumentalities and means, there arepro vided other and further details of constri 1ction of preferred formand arrangement, the nature of which will be more fully explained in thefollowing description,-taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, forming parthereof. in which Figure 1 is a perspective viewillustrai ing more or less diagrammatically the couplings through whichthe water ment of a water feed system embodying the main features of myinvention.

Figure 2 is a side view, partly sectioned, of the same.

Figure 3 is an enlarged detail view illustrating in side elevation, andin section-the steam cut-off valve, the bypass valve and connections.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view two-way cross fitting containing :theboiler is located thecharging tank 1,

which is in .direct communication at or near its base, with the well 2by means of a stand pipe 5, the entrance end of which ispref-erablycontrolled by a check valve 6. A pipe 7 connects the waterchamber of theboiler 1 with the tank at, and in this pipe 7 is'locatedva check valve 8, which-permits of flow of water to, but not from theboiler 1.

At the top of tank 4 is located acheck valve 41* illustrated inFigure 7,opening into tank 4: and arranged to'stand open by gravity. Valve 4;serves as an air relief and: to prevent a vacuumforming in tank #1,itbeing desirable to fill tank 4 nearly full of waterby gravity and tomaintain a space for steam above the *ater level.

At the top of the charging tank 4: is located a steam pipe 11, leadingfrom the tank 4: to the steam chamber", ofthe boiler 1. For sake ofconvenience, the pipe 11 is shown as entering the dome 1*, but it maycommunicate with the steam chamber ofboil-er 1 at any desired point. -Onthe pipe 11. is lOCEltm" a valve 12,'the operation of. which isautomatically controlled as hereinafter explained.

The steam pipe 9 is provided with a cross fitting 13 supporting by meansof stutling boxes 14: and 15, the members 16 and 17 of a hollow frame,them-embers 1G and 17 tilting in the stuffing boxes let and 15 in thecrossfittin-g 13. This cross fitting 13 is partitioned (see Figure 4) soas to divert the steam from the boiler through the pipes 9 and 11 by themember 16 of the hollow frame to a water receptacle 18. The hollowmember 16 extends upward in water receptacle 18 in the form of a pip-e19.

The hollow member 17 serves'as the means for permitting normally of thedischarge of and terminates in a. jet 28 in well 2.

water direct from the boiler 1 through pipe 17 to the bottom ofreceptacle 18 and vice versa. The receptacle 18 is suspended by chain 20passing over pulley 21, suspended preferably from pipe 11, or otherfixture, andhavingthe counterweight 22 at its free end. This weight 22is so adjusted that when receptacle 18 is nearly full of water, thereceptacle will fall and will remain in its lowermost position until ithas emptied a portion of its contents directly into boiler 1 throughpipe 17.

A primary exhaust pipe 25 leads from tank 1 to the elevated well orreservoir 2, A weighted valve 25 on pipe 25 is held closed under normalpressure of steam in pipe 11 when receptacle 18 descends pulling uponcord 25. lVhen receptacle .18 rises the weight of the valve lever isstrong enough to open valve 25 under the maximum steam pressure.

Exhaust pipe 25 being proportionately small serves to more effectuallyseat check valve 8.

The well 2 is also connected by-pipe 29 with pipe 11, the pipe 29terminating within the well 2 in a jet 30. A weighted valve 31 on pipe29 is held closed under normal pressure of steam in pipe 11 when thereceptacle 18 descends pulling upon the cord 31. hen the receptaclerises and steam is exhausted from pipe 11 through pipe 25 and valve 25'the weight of the valve lever is strong enough to open the valve 31 andpermit steam to flow to the jet 30. Exhaust pipe 29 is required onlywhen its additional capacity.is'required, therefore I do not confinemyself to the use of said exhaust.

The construction and arrangement of each jet 28 or is shown in Figure 5.The pipe 25, for instance, terminates in a T 32, carrying the two branchpipes This T coupling 32 is arranged within a second T coupling 31- andsecured therein by the set screw 35. The coupling 341 has two lateralbranch pipes or tubes each enclosing a pipe 33, and extending somedistance beyond the same. The upper portion of the T 31 is open andencloses the pipe 25. The

construction illustrated and described permits the steam to enter andmingle with water in well 2 without undue noise and agitation. I do notconfine myself to the use of this et arrangement, as anordinary :jetconfined in well 2 works satisfactorily.

In addition to the weight and chain 29 and in addition to theinterchange of water between the boiler 1 and receptacle 18, all of llt)its depressed position in a seat 43, supported by the pipe 7. The bottomof this vessel 40 is supported by the frame consisting of the sidemembers 44 and 44 connected by end member 45. The end member 45oscillates in a cross-fitting 4.6, and stuffing box 46, the fittingcomn'lunicating by pipe 47 with the water chamber of boiler 1. The sidemember 44 is a water conveyor connecting the bottom of vessel 40directly with the water chamber of the boiler 1, whilst the other sidemember 44 is solid, and present only to complete the frame.

The upper portion of vessel 40 communicates by a flexible pipeconnection with the steam chamber of boiler 1. Such a pipe connectioncan be secured by preference by connecting one end of a pipe 49 by rigidelbow 48 with the vessel 40. A flexible pipe 51 connects pipe 49 with apipe 52 entering the steam chamber of the boiler 1.

The vessel 40 is flexibly supported at a height corresponding to thenormal water level of the boiler 1, and under the varying water level insaid boiler, water will flow from the boiler to the vessel 40 when thewater in the boiler reaches the maximum height, and will flow back againfrom vessel 40 to the boiler when water level in boiler 1 is lowered andthe vessel will be elevated. The vessel 40 thus vibrates, being assistedby the spring 42 by which it is supported, and the flexible connectionof pipe 49 with pipe 52 permits of this vibration without breaking thesteam connection between the vessel 40 and boiler 1.

Beyond the cross fitting 46 the ends of the finger contacts with theprop and the recep-' tacle 18 is held in an elevated position. lVhen,however, the vessel 40 and its frame ascend. the finger54 forces theprop 55 out of seat 56, and permits the prop and receptacle 18 todescend.

One of the main objects of my present invention is to relieve thestationary or charging tank 4 of the water hammer or thrust which wouldbe caused by the sudden entrance of a large volume of steam at highspeed from the pipe 11 to the tank especially during that period of timewhen the water in the tank is agitated.

To accomplish this, the preferred construction and arrangement of valvesand connections illustrated in detail in Figure 3 are used. The valve1.2 is held on its seat or in its closed position by means of a springassisted by the steam pressure back of the valve. The valve stem 61projects through a stuifing box 12 and is engaged by the pivoted arm 62.

The free end of arm 62 is connected by cord 63 with interposed spring64, or by an elastic connection with the cross rod 65 connecting the twohollow members 16 and 17, supporting the receptacle 18. The spring 64 oncord 63 is employed in opening the valve 12 under partly balancedconditions only of steam pressure. The spring 64 therefore permits thevibration of the larger valve 12 on its seat under variations ofpressure and momentum of the current of steam in the inlet pipe 11. Thisvibratory movement of valve 12 through spring 64 prevents the waterhammer in tank4. I

If the steam were permitted initially to pass into the tank through themain pipe 11, its entrance into said tank 4, and its condensation andrarefaction therein would cause a thrust or waterhammer in tank 4, andtend to disruptthe apparatus. To compensate for this, I permit a smallcurrent of steam to enter before the valve 12 is operated. To accomplishthis, a by-pass pipe leads from'the pipe 11 at a point in front of valve12, and re-enters pipe 11' at a point beyond said valve 12. In pipe 70is located a valve 71 corresponding to valve- 12 in all essentialparticulars, having the spring 7 2 normally pressing the valve upon itsseat, and a valve stem 73 projecting through stufiing box 74 to beoperated by a lever arm 75, with the cross rod 65.

Inasmuch as the cord or chain 76 has no spring and is not elastic, themovement downward of receptacle 18 will immediately open valve 71 beforevalve 12 can be operated.

In my co-pending application referred to above, the steam pipe 9 wasextended to the top of the boiler 1 for connection with the boilerssteam space and was provided with a lever-operated valve which requireda gland to be packed. T have found. however, that the invention isgreatly irnroved by having the pipe 9 considerably reduced in length andconnected to the charging tank 4. and provided with a check valve 9.This check valve 9 controls the opening and clos ing of the pipe 9. henthe receptacle 1S ascends, valves 25 and 31 open and the pressure isexhaustedfroni tank 4, the check valve 9" closes and condensation,decreases the pressure in receptacle 18 and the water is driven fromboiler 1 through the openings in check valve 84, see Figure 6, saidopenings being of a predetermined size to allow the receptacle 18 tofill from boiler 1 in the time tank 4 fills from the well 2, but whenthe receptacle descends the *alve Q will open and boiler pressureestablished in receptacle 18 and the receptacle will die charge throughthe hand valve 85 in the time and immediately after tank tt dischargesthrough valve 8.

I do not confine myself to the use of valve illustrated in Figure 6, asunder someconditions this valve maybe dispensed with.

Receptacle-18 is provided with an exhaust valve 86 which is heldopen-when receptacle 18 is in its uppermost position, but which isclosed before the prop contacts with the base 56. Said exhaust valve isnecessary only when the temperature of the boiler room is so high thatradiation will not reduce the pressure in receptacle 18 fast enough toallow receptacle 18 to fill from boiler 1 in the length of time that isrequired for tank at to fill from the well 2, therefore I do not confinemyself to the use of said exhaust valve.

In the operation of my feed water system, the charging tank '4: isfed'by gravity with water from the well 2. The pressure of steam uponthe water in boiler 1 will maintain the check valve 8, and pipe '7closed until tank 4: is full, or substantially full, and ready todischarge. When the water level in boiler 1 is below normal, the waterin vessel will flow into the boiler and said vessel will raise torelease the prop 55.

The receptacle 18 which is full, or substantially full, of water willnow descend, and in descending will operate by-pass valve 71, and mainvalve 12 to admit steam under pressure to tank 4. The water in tank 4and pipe 7 is thus forced into the water chamber of the boiler, 1, thecheck valve 8 opening to permit the flow of the water under pressure tothe water chamber of the boiler. As the water level in boiler 1 rises tonormal, a portion flows through pipe 17 into vessel which then descends.The prop carried by receptacle 18 is then raised, and the parts resumetheir former position.

What is claimed is-- 1.111 a feed water system. a boiler, a waterreservoir. a stationary charging tank situated above the boiler andhaving a valved water inlet, a valved water discharge connection betweenthe tank and the water space of the boiler, a valved exhaust pipeleading from the tank, an air inlet and outlet, a primary valved steamconnection between the stationary charging tank and the boiler, asecondary valved steam connection between the stationarycharging tankand said boiler, a vibratory receptacle the top of which has a valvedsteam connection with the said charging tank and the'bottom of which hasdischarge and return water connection With the boilers water space, saidvibratory receptacle arranged to receive and return water from and tothe boiler, said receptacle being provided with an exhaust 'valve,meansfor limiting the movement of said vibratory receptacle, means forautomatically vibrating said vibratory receptacle, means connecting thevibratory receptacle with the valve of the exhaust pipe and the valve ofthe prnnary steam connection of the stationary charging tank to therebyoperate said valves, and an elastic connection between the vibratoryreceptacle and the valve of the secondary steam connection of thestationary charging tank to thereby effect the operation of said valve.

2. In a feed water system, a boiler, a water reservoir, a stationarycharging tank situated above the boiler and having a valved water inlet,a valved water discharge between the tank and the water space of theboiler; a valved exhaust pipe leading from the tank, an air inlet andoutlet, a primary valved steam connection between the stationarycharging tank and said boiler, a secondary valved steam connectionbetween the stationary charging tank and said boiler, a-vibratoryreceptacle, the top of which has a valved steam connection with saidcharging tank and the bottom of which has discharge and return waterconnections with the boilers water space, said vibratory receptacle ar'anged to receive and return water from and to the boiler, saidreceptacle being provided with an exhaust valve, means for limiting themovement of said vibratory receptacle, means for automatically vibratingsaid vibratory receptacle, means connecting the vibratory receptaclewith the valve of the exhaust pipe and the valve of the primary steamconnection of the sta tionary charging tank to thereby operate saidvalves, and an elastic connection between the vibratory receptacle andthe valve of the secondary steam connection of the stationary chargingtank to thereby affect.

the operation of said valve, combined with means for locking andunlocking said vibratory vessel to prevent and permit the vibrationthereof.

3. In afeed water system a boiler, a water reservoir, a stationarycharging tank situated above the boiler and having a valved water inlet,a valved water discharge connection between the tank and the water spaceof the boiler, a valved exmeans for limiting the movement of saidvibratory receptacle, means for automatically vibrating said vibratoryreceptacle, means connecting the vibratory receptacle with the valve ofthe exhaust pipe and the valve of the primary steam connection of thestationary charging tank to thereby operate said valves, and an elasticconnection between the vibratory receptacle and the valve of thesecondary steam connection of the stationary charging tank tic therebyaffect the operation of said valve, combined with means for locking andunlocking said vibratory vessel to prevent and permit its vibration,said locking and unlocking means consisting of a vessel in opencommunication with the water chamher and steam chamber of the boiler andarranged to vibrate in unison with the fluctuation of the water level insaid water chamber to thereby start and stop the vibratory receptacle.

4. In a gravity feed water system having a stationary charging tanksituated above the water level of the boiler, said charging tankprovided with a valve controlled water inlet and a valve controlledwater connection with the water space of the boiler, valve controlledsteam exhausts from and valve controlled steam inlets to said chargingtank, an air inlet and outlet, a means for periodically operating saidsteam valves, said means comprising a vibratory vessel having a valvecontrolled steam connection with the steam space of said charging tank,a discharge connection of predetermined capacity leading from the vesselto the water space of the boiler and a return water connection ofpredetermined capacity leading from the water space of the boiler tosaid vibratory vessel, said vessel being provided with an exhaust valve,combined with means for receptacle, the top of which has a valved steamconnection with said charging tank and the bottom of which has adischarge and a water return connection with the boilers water space,said vibratory receptacle arrangedto receive and return water from andto the boiler, said receptacle being provided with an exhaust valve,means for limiting the movement of said vibratory receptacle, means forautomatically vibrating said vibratory receptacle, means connecting thevibratory receptacle with the valve of the exhaust pipe and the valve ofthe primary steam connection of the stationary charging tank to therebyoperate said valves, and an elastic connection between the vibratoryreceptacle and the valve of the secondary steam connect-ion of thecharging tank to thereby affect the operation of said valve, combinedwith means for locking andunlocking said vibratory vessel to prevent andpermit its vibration, said locking and unlocking means controlled by therise and fall of the water in the boiler.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification.

GEORGE W. COPE.

